ONE-PIECE PLASTIC RETAINER WITH INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT FEATURE

Description

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a weatherstrip mounting structure and, more particularly, is concerned with a one-piece seal plastic retainer for a vehicle.

[0002] It is known to provide a weatherstrip mounting structure for an automotive vehicle that secures a glass edge seal, and also seals against the body. This mounting structure is typically a multiple component assembly in which the A pillar and header forms one piece, and abuts against a second piece that extends generally along the B pillar. For example, a first metal retainer piece joins up with a second metal retainer piece which, when joined, receive a plastic retainer first piece and a plastic retainer second piece, respectively. Thus, four separate components are joined together to function as a combined metal/plastic retainer that receives a glass edge seal along the A pillar, header, and B pillar portions of the glass. The four-piece retainer functionally retains the glass edge seal, and itself seals against the body.

[0003] Unfortunately, the conventional retainer results in a distinctive joint line where the four individual components are brought together. The retainer also requires separate assembly of these four individual components to obtain a glass edge seal that functionally secures the glass edge seal to the vehicle body.

[0004] Where possible, it is always desirable to remove cost and assembly from the vehicle. Here, four individual components are separately manufactured and assembled together. Tolerance stack-up issues are always a potential problem where individual components are joined together and subsequently joined to the vehicle. Likewise, the associated cost of assembly is a burden that the OEM would like to reduce, particularly assembly of the individual retainer components to the vehicle. Still further, the retainer still results in an undesirable joint line that is evident on the show surface where the individual components of the retainer assembly are joined. The joint line is usually formed along the header portion adjacent the B pillar of the vehicle.

[0005] US-B-6226953 describes a one-piece weather strip retainer for retaining a weather strip onto a vehicle. This weather strip comprises a roof mount section for mounting on a roof of a vehicle body, the roof mount section having two opposite end portions; a first pillar mount section, continuously extending from one end portion of the proof mount section, for mounting on a first pillar of the vehicle body; a second pillar mount section, continuously extending in a generally vertical direction from the other end portion of the roof mount section, for mounting on a second pillar of the vehicle body; and a drip molding formed integrally with the roof mount section and first pillar mount section.

[0006] US-B-6138338 discloses a resilient sealing insert with a belt-line extension for a door and window flush glass channel seal. The generally U-shaped channel insert includes a base, a first leg and a second leg which is attached to the base along a tearable line of weakness. The legs are separable from the insert into a window run channel portion and an integral belt-line extension.

[0007] In light of the foregoing, it becomes evident that there is a need for an improved seal retainer that would provide a solution to one or more of the deficiencies from which the prior art and/or conventional weatherstrip mounting structures have suffered.

[0008] The present invention resides in a weatherseal assembly for sealing an opening edge of an associated window frame of a vehicle, as set forth in claim 1 hereof.

[0009] An exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises a one-piece plastic retainer. The latter is molded to provide a retainer with a show surface free of a joint line at the typical B pillar/header transition.

[0010] The retainer may be a two-shot molded arrangement such that a first portion of the retainer is formed in a first shot, and a second portion of the retainer is formed in a second shot.

[0011] The first and second portions have overlapping regions which may be spot welded together at spaced locations along the length of the retainer as it proceeds from the A pillar, along the header, and continuously along the B pillar. Also, periodically spaced along this length of the retainer are individual fasteners that extend through the overlap regions and secure the retainer to the vehicle.

[0012] A foam tape may be secured to a surface of the retainer that faces the body and includes slots or openings at desired locations to allow the fasteners to extend therethrough.

[0013] A primary benefit of the invention resides in the reduced costs associated with the retainer.

[0014] Another benefit is the improved aesthetics of the show surface by eliminating the joint line associated with prior arrangements.

[0015] Yet another benefit of a one-piece molded show surface is the ability to transition from a constant environment for sealing to the glass to a non-constant environment for styling purposes, i.e., the appearance against the sheet metal which varies relative to the glass edge.

[0016] A further benefit relates to the substantial decrease in weight as a result of using lighter weight, plastic components instead of metal as used in conventional arrangements.

[0017] Other features and benefits of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which

[0018] FIGURE 1 is an image illustrating the one-piece plastic retainer of the subject invention shown adjacent to the four-piece retainer assembly of the prior art;

[0019] FIGURES 2-4 are images showing the joint line associated with the prior arrangement;

[0020] FIGURE 5 is an image illustrating the header to B pillar transition region of the one-piece retainer of the subject invention;

[0021] FIGURES 6 and 7 are isometric views of the one-piece retainer assembly;

[0022] FIGURE 8 is an elevational view of the retainer;

[0023] FIGURES 9-28 are sectional views taken generally along the lines 9-9, 10-10 ... 28-28, etc. of FIGURE 8;

[0024] FIGURE 29 is an enlarged cross-section through a B pillar portion of the retainer;

[0025] FIGURE 30 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the retainer with a weather seal shown in dotted line along the A pillar/header portion of the retainer; and

[0026] The description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and various modifications and changes can be made to the components and arrangement(s) of components without departing from the scope of the invention. Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

[0027] With reference to FIGURE 1, first and second metal retainer pieces 100, 102 are shown in a separated condition (it being understood that only portions of each retainer piece are illustrated in this view) and first and second plastic retainer pieces 104, 106 are similarly illustrated in unassembled relation. As noted above, this is a typical or conventional four-piece retainer assembly, in which the metal retainer pieces 100, 102 are joined together, and likewise the plastic retainer pieces 104, 106 are assembled together. The metal retainer assembly 100, 102 and the plastic retainer assembly 104, 106, are ultimately joined to the vehicle. For example, the metal retainer 100 extends along the so called "A" pillar and header portion of the vehicle, while metal retainer piece 102 extends along the so called "B" pillar- When assembled, and as shown in FIGURES 2-4, a discrete joint line 108 is evident in the region of transition between the header and the B pillar of the vehicle. Thus, compo nents 102, 106 are typically secured along the B pillar portion of the vehicle as shown in FIGURES 2-4, while A pillar/header portions are comprised of components 100, 104.

[0028] With continued reference to FIGURE 1, a one-piece plastic retainer 120 of the present application is shown in part. It includes th e one-piece A pillar/header portion 122 and B pillar portion 124. As perhaps best illustrated in FIGURE 5, the one-piece retainer 120 is installed on a vehicle V with header portion 122 and B pillar portion 124 retaining weatherseal WS that seals along two edg es of the window or glass GL. As is evident in FIGURE 5, the one-piece retainer does not include a seam along the show surface thereof.

[0029] FIGURES 6-8 illustrate the one-piece retainer in greater detail. As will be described in greater detail below, the one-piece retainer is an all-plastic construction, and preferably injection molded. The retainer includes an outer show surface portion 130 that overlies the perimeter of the metal body side of the vehicle. In other words, it provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance or show surface. As exemplified in the various cross-sections of FIGURES 9-28, and also illustrated in FIGURES 29 and 30, the show surface transitions smoothly along and contours or blends into the vehicle surface surrounding the window. The show surface covers a cavity 132 that can also serve as a channel for water management and drainage of water from around the periphery of the window opening. A first retaining flange 140 is located inwardly from the show surface. The retaining flange extends outwardly from the cross-section of the plastic material toward an interior weatherseal receiving cavity 142 and is adapted to mechanically engage a recess 144 of the weatherseal WS shown in dotted line. The remainder of the first leg 146 recedes away from the retaining flange 140 at an acute angle and further merges in at an obtuse angle with generally planar base portion 148, which defines a fastening portion of the retainer to secure the retainer to the vehicle.

[0030] As will be appreciated, the second portion of the two-shot retainer is similar to the first portion, although it does not necessarily define a mirror image of the first portion. Where possible, similar components are Identified by similar reference numerals with a prime suffix, i.e., retaining flange 140 and 140'. The weatherseal WS is mechanically engaged by the retaining flanges which together define a generally C-shaped cavity to hold the seal in place and engage the edge of the glass GL. Thus, as best illustrated in FIGURE 29, the show surface 130 extends along the B pillar portion. When compared with the cross-sectional conformation In FIGURE 30, which is along the A pillar and header portions of the retainer, the show surface extends generally parallel to leg 150 that Is disposed adjacent the body side outer panel. It will also be appreciated that the weatherseal has a slightly different conformation as it extends along the header portion and engages the upper edge of the glass.

[0031] With continued reference to FIGURES 29 and 30, and renewed reference to FIGURE 8, it will be appreciated that fasteners such as screws 160 extend through mating openings 162, 162' formed in the planar portions 148, 148', respectively, of the first and second portions of the retainer. The fastener extends through the aligned openings and secures the retainer to the vehicle body.

[0032] The openings 162, 162' are spaced apart as shown in FIGURE 8, and interspersed between each of the fasteners in alternating arrangement are securing regions such as fusion bond regions or ultrasonic spot welds 170 to secure the first and second mold shot portions of the retainer. This affixes the first and second portions together, along with the fastener extending through the aligned openings to define a one-piece retainer prior to assembly to the vehicle.

[0033] A foam tape includes a series of elongated openings at spaced locations that correspond to the longitudinally spaced, aligned openings in the retainer that receive the fasteners. Preferably, the foam tape is adhesively secured to a rear face of the aligned planar portions 148, 148' of the retainer. If desired, a tape guide 180 may also extend from the rear face of at least one of the rear faces of the planar portions.

[0034] The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alteration s will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. For example, various other manufacturing steps may be employed or in a different sequence. Likewise, different materials may be used or alternative processes without departing from the present invention. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A weatherseal assembly for sealing an associated opening edge of an associated window frame of an associated vehicle, comprising a one-piece retainer (120) including a generally planar base (148,148), a first leg (146) extending from an end of the generally planar base the end of the first leg (146) extending to an end portion of a seamless outer show surface portion (130), a second leg (146) extending from an opposing end of the generally planar base, and a weatherseal (WS) engaged by the first and second legs, characterized in that
the generally planar base includes a first section (148) and a second section (148), a portion of the first section (148) overlying a portion of the second section (148), and a portion of the first section and a portion of the second section being integrally formed.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first section (148) of the generally planar base includes a plurality of spaced apart first openings (162) and the second section (148), of the generally planar base includes a plurality of spaced apart second openings (162), for securing the one-piece retainer to the associated vehicle.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the plurality of first openings (162) mate with the plurality of second openings (162') to define fastening portions for receiving associated fasteners (160) for securing the one-piece retainer to the associated vehicle.

4. The assembly of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the portion of the first section (148) of the planar base and the portion of the second section (148) of the generally planar base are fused together to define the one-piece retainer.

5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein the portion of the first section (148) and the portion of the second section (148), are fused together by ultrasonic spot welds.

6. The assembly of any preceding claim wherein an inner surface of the outer show surface portion (130) being suitable to define a channel (132) with the associated opening edge of the associated window frame for managing water from around the associated opening edge.

7. The assembly of any preceding claim wherein the outer show surface portion (130) being suitable to overlie an associated body side perimeter of the associated window frame.

8. The assembly of any preceding claim wherein the first leg (146) includes a first retaining flange (140) and the second leg (146) includes a second retaining flange (140).

9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the first and second retaining flanges (140, 140) together define a cavity (142) holding the weatherseal (WS) in place.

10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the generally planar base includes a plurality of spaced apart openings (162, 162) for receiving associated fasteners (160) for securing the one-piece retainer (120) to the associated vehicle.

11. The assembly of any preceding claim including a foam tape secured to a backside surface of the generally planar base.

12. The assembly of any preceding claim wherein the one-piece retainer (120) is plastic.

Ansprüche

1. Witterungsdichtungsanordnung zum Abdichten einer zugeordneten Öffnungskante eines zugeordneten Fensterrahmens eines zugeordneten Fahrzeugs, umfassend eine einstückige Halterung (120), die eine allgemein ebene Basis (148, 148'), einen ersten Schenkel (146), der sich von einem Ende der allgemein ebenen Basis erstreckt, wobei sich das Ende des ersten Schenkels (146) zu einem Endteil eines nahtlosen äußeren Schauseitenoberflächenteils (130) erstreckt, einen zweiten Schenkel (146'), der sich von einem entgegengesetzten Ende der allgemein ebenen Basis erstreckt, und eine Witterungsdichtung (WS), die mit dem ersten und dem zweiten Schenkel in Eingriff ist, aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die allgemein ebene Basis einen ersten Abschnitt (148) und einen zweiten Abschnitt (148') aufweist, wobei sich ein Teil des ersten Abschnitts (148) mit einem Teil des zweiten Abschnitts (148') überlagert und ein Teil des ersten Abschnitts und ein Teil des zweiten Abschnitts einstückig ausgebildet sind.

2. Anordnung nach Anspruch 1, wobei der erste Abschnitt (148) der allgemein ebenen Basis eine Vielzahl voneinander beabstandeter erster Öffnungen (162) aufweist, und der zweite Abschnitt (148') der allgemein ebenen Basis eine Vielzahl voneinander beabstandeter zweiter Öffnungen (162') aufweist, um die einstückige Halterung am zugeordneten Fahrzeug zu befestigen.

3. Anordnung nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Vielzahl erster Öffnungen (162) mit der Vielzahl zweiter Öffnungen (162') zusammenpasst, um Befestigungsteile zum Aufnehmen zugeordneter Befestigungselemente (160) zum Befestigen der einstückigen Halterung am zugeordneten Fahrzeug zu definieren.

4. Anordnung nach Anspruch 1, 2, oder 3, wobei der Teil des ersten Abschnitts (148) der ebenen Basis und der Teil des zweiten Abschnitts (148') der allgemein ebenen Basis zusammengeschweißt sind, um die einstückige Halterung zu definieren.

5. Anordnung nach Anspruch 4, wobei der Teil des ersten Abschnitts (148) und der Teil des zweiten Abschnitts (148') durch Ultraschall-Punktschweißungen zusammengeschweißt sind.

6. Anordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei eine Innenoberfläche des äußeren Schauseitenoberflächenteils (130) dazu geeignet ist, mit der zugeordneten Öffnungskante des zugeordneten Fensterrahmens einen Kanal (132) zu definieren, um Wasser von Orten um die zugeordnete Öffnungskante herum abzuleiten.

7. Anordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der äußere Schauseitenoberflächenteil (130) dazu geeignet ist, sich mit einer zugeordneten umlaufenden Körperseite des zugeordneten Fensterrahmens zu überlagern.

8. Anordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der erste Schenkel (146) einen ersten Halterungsflansch (140) aufweist und der zweite Schenkel (146') einen zweiten Halterungsflansch (140') aufweist.

9. Anordnung nach Anspruch 8, wobei der erste und der zweite Halterungsflansch (140, 140') zusammen einen Hohlraum (142) definieren, der die Witterungsdichtung (WS) an Ort und Stelle hält.

10. Anordnung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die allgemein ebene Basis eine Vielzahl voneinander beabstandeter Öffnungen (162, 162') aufweist, um zugeordnete Befestigungselemente (160) zum Befestigen der einstückigen Halterung (120) am zugeordneten Fahrzeug aufzunehmen.

11. Anordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die ein Schaumstoffband aufweist, das an einer Rückoberfläche der allgemein ebenen Basis befestigt ist.

12. Anordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die einstückige Halterung (120) aus Kunststoff ist.

Revendications

1. Ensemble profilé d'étanchéité pour étanchéifier un bord d'ouverture associé d'un cadre de fenêtre associé d'un véhicule associé, comprenant un dispositif de retenue monobloc (120) comprenant un base généralement plane (148, 148), un premier segment (146) s'étendant à partir d'une extrémité de la base généralement plane, l'extrémité du premier segment (146) s'étendant jusqu'à une partie d'extrémité d'une partie de surface exposée extérieure sans soudure (130), un second segment (146) s'étendant à partir d'une extrémité opposée de la base généralement plane, et un profilé d'étanchéité (WS) engagé par les premier et second segments, caractérisé en ce que
la base généralement plane comprend une première section (148) et une seconde section (148), une partie de la première section (148) recouvrant une partie de la seconde section (148), et une partie de la première section et une partie de la seconde section étant formées de façon intégrée.

2. Ensemble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première section (148) de la base généralement plane comprend une pluralité de premières ouvertures espacées les unes des autres (162) et la seconde section (148), de la base généralement plane comprend une pluralité de secondes ouvertures espacées les unes des autres (162), pour fixer le dispositif de retenue monobloc au véhicule associé.

3. Ensemble selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la pluralité de premières ouvertures (162) s'accouplent avec la pluralité de secondes ouvertures (162') pour définir des parties de fixation pour recevoir des éléments de fixation associés (160) pour fixer le dispositif de retenue monobloc au véhicule associé.

4. Ensemble selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel la partie de la première section (148) de la base plane et la partie de la seconde section (148) de la base généralement plane sont fusionnées l'une avec l'autre pour définir le dispositif de retenue monobloc.

5. Ensemble selon la revendication 4, dans lequel la partie de la première section (148) et la partie de la seconde section (148) sont fusionnées l'une avec l'autre par soudures par points par ultrasons.

6. Ensemble selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel une surface intérieure de la partie de surface exposée extérieure (130) est appropriée pour définir une gorge (132) avec le bord d'ouverture associé du cadre de fenêtre associé pour gérer l'eau provenant des alentours du bord d'ouverture associé.

7. Ensemble selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel la partie de surface exposée extérieure (130) est appropriée pour recouvrir un périmètre latéral de corps associé du cadre de fenêtre associé.

8. Ensemble selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel le premier segment (146) comprend une première bride de retenue (140) et le second segment (146) comprend une seconde bride de retenue (140').

9. Ensemble selon la revendication 8, dans lequel les première et seconde brides de retenue (140, 140') définissent ensemble une cavité (142) retenant le profilé d'étanchéité (WS) en place.

10. Ensemble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la base généralement plane comprend une pluralité d'ouvertures espacées les unes des autres (162, 162) pour recevoir des éléments de fixation associés (160) pour fixer le dispositif de retenue monobloc (120) au véhicule associé.

11. Ensemble selon une quelconque revendication précédente, comprenant une bande en mousse fixée à une surface arrière de la base généralement plane.

12. Ensemble selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel le dispositif de retenue monobloc (120) est en plastique.

Drawing